Phenom Hoops travelled to Mooresville, North Carolina to cover the marquee matchup between Cox Mill and Mooresville High School. Cox Mill entered the contest with an overall 16-5 record (7-0 conference) while Mooresville sported an impressive overall 16-1 record (7-1 conference). A win by Cox Mill would solidify sole possession of first place while a win by Mooresville would put them in position to win the Greater Metro 4 regular season championship.
Mooresville took control of the first quarter and held onto a 22-18 lead, only to see Cox Mill go on a 30-15 run in the second quarter. Leading 48-37 at the half, Cox Mill had all the momentum going into the second half, even though they were playing without junior standout, Titus Ivy. In the third quarter, Mooresville made their patented run and pulled within one point (57-58) heading into the pivotal fourth quarter. Mooresville went on an impressive 38-23 run and secured the 95-81 win. Mooresville now moves to 17-1 for the season and second year head coach Armard Moore has enjoyed more wins this season than Mooresville the previous four seasons combined. To say, coach Moore has changed the culture at Mooresville in his second year would be a major understatement and now is in the conversation or short list as North Carolina’s Coach of the Year honors. Now, let’s take a closer look at the game’s most outstanding players.
6’1 ’22 Aishus Stewart (Mooresville)
Known for his quickness and tremendous speed in the open court, Stewart was instrumental in the second half comeback. Stewart finished with a team high 21 points, including 14 in the second half. He was able to use his athleticism to get to the rim where he finished with consistency or drew fouls where he went a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line. More importantly, Stewart was very active on both ends and played with a “warrior-like” mentality that enabled Mooresville to make the second half comeback. In addition, Stewart dished out eight assists, corralled five rebounds and made four steals.
6’4 ’22 KC Shaw (Mooresville)
Due to foul trouble, it was a quiet first half for Shaw, where he finished with only one field goal. Coming off the Coker offer, Shaw spearheaded Mooresville impressive 58 point scoring outburst in the second half. Shaw is uber-athletic and is so quick off his feet. Shaw battled relentlessly on the boards and finished with a double double in points and rebounds. Shaw finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, but it was his tenacity that enabled Mooresville to get second chance opportunities.
6’2 ’23 Kyrell Shaw (Mooresville)
Kyrell is the younger brother of KC Shaw. Known for his ability to shoot from the perimeter, Kyrell didn’t disappoint with his timely 3-pointers. Kyrell finished with 15 points, including five 3-pointers, four which came in the crucial second half. Kyrell is slender, long and is extremely lethal in the “catch and shoot” situation. He has a quick release and supreme confidence in letting it fly from deep.
6’4 ’22 Rasheed Baldwin (Cox Mill)
Baldwin game it everything he had. He finished with a game high 22 points, including 14 points in the first half. Baldwin also knock down five 3-pointers and played an excellent all-around game. The Chowan signee showcased why he is a college level prospect.
5’9 ’22 CJ Wilson (Cox Mill)
Standing a strong and sturdy 5’9, Wilson utilized his overall strength to his advantage. Wilson finished with 20 points and continuously got into the lane where he finished or drew contact and fouls. He’s one of the area’s toughest competitors and brings a no-nonsense approach to the game.
Best of the rest
Christian Herring and Evaan Ezhilan finished with 13 and 11 points respectively for Mooresville. In addition, Herring also collected five rebounds.